Top 10 Budget Motels In California - Updated 2024

Aarti
Aarti 
Updated
| 4 min read

California is one such place that is filled with a plethora of things that caters to all kinds of travelers. Renowned as the state that is famous as a vacation spot and adventure-filled activities, tourists flock California each year and for all the right reasons. The land of milk and honey or the golden state, California boasts stunning shoreline, rocky mountainscapes, amazing deserts, and pristine beaches. It also features enormous space for adventures and road trips. Some of the attractions around the state include Yosemite National Park, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and plenty more. And there is nothing better than exploring all these beautiful sites than by staying at the best motels at affordable prices. Here are some of the best budget motels in California, USA.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 08, 2024.

1. Ocean Breeze Inn (from USD 97)

Located near Pismo Beach, California, this pet-friendly property has rooms that include a mini-refrigerator, a TV, and a private bathroom. The rooms here have minimal decor and are adorned in neutral-toned hues. Ocean Breeze Inn also offers amenities such as free parking facilities, free internet, a sun terrace, a vending machine, and daily coffee service. Some of the attractions nearby include Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve, Le Sage Riviera Golf Course, Clark Center for the Performing Arts, and Pismo Beach Outlet Shopping Center.

Stayed at this property?

Motel 6 Pismo Beach CA Pacific Ocean

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 250 Main Street
272.25 km (169.2 mi) from Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

Parking Pets allowed 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Golf course (within 3 km) Terrace Facilities for disabled guests Free parking Internet services

2. Miners Inn (from USD 149)

Spending a vacation with your loved one? Looking for a place to stay during your romantic getaway? Miner’s Inn is your calling! Located just a few steps away from Mariposa Museum & History Center, this property boasts outdoor furniture, a sun terrace, and a picnic area. It also features complimentary Wi-Fi and parking. In the guest rooms, you can find a refrigerator, a microwave, a TV, and a seating area. Some of the rooms even come with a spa bath and a fireplace. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast each morning, and can even savor good lunch and dinner at the on-site restaurant.

Stayed at this property?

Miners Inn

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 5181 Highway 49 North
29.38 km (18.3 mi) from Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

Parking Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Non-smoking rooms Facilities for disabled guests Family rooms Free parking Internet services

3. Travel Inn (from USD 54)

This motel offers easy access to the BBQ facilities and is situated just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Eldorado National Forest’s Lake Tahoe. Complimentary internet is included throughout the property. The rooms come with a flat-screen TV, private bathroom, light wood furnishings, and warm- and neutral-toned colors on the walls. If there are any questions, you can always ask the 24-hour front desk. The property also provides photocopying and fax services and daily housekeeping. And to explore around, attractions like Tahoe Queen, El Dorado Beach, South Tahoe Ice Arena, and Gunbarrel Express are just a few kilometers away from the property.

Stayed at this property?

Travel Inn

Wifi Available

Address: 3536 Lake Tahoe Boulevard
168.35 km (104.7 mi) from Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

Parking 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Non-smoking rooms Family rooms Free parking Internet services Heating Fax/photocopying

4. Holiday Haus (from USD 161)

Situated 12 minutes away from Minneapolis and just a five-minute drive from the airport, Holiday Haus offers a hot tub and free internet throughout the property. The rooms here come with a flat-screen TV, a microwave, a desk, and a mini-refrigerator. And most of the rooms here also feature a fireplace. Every morning, guests can relish in complimentary continental breakfast. The motel is very close to famous landmarks such as Village Gondola, Heimo’s Express, Chair 8, Canyon Lodge, and Mono Lake.

Stayed at this property?

Holiday Haus

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 3905 Main Street
62.33 km (38.8 mi) from Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

Parking Tennis court Golf course (within 3 km) Non-smoking rooms Fishing Facilities for disabled guests Family rooms Free parking

California Tour Guide

Stephanie Eley

Stephanie Eley

I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more

Tours by Stephanie

5. Big Pines Mountain House (from USD 57)

The motel, Big Pines Mountain House, is located very close to the Heavenly Village - a place to go shopping, for entertainment, and dining. The property is pet-friendly and offers complimentary breakfast every morning and access to the private beach. The rooms here come with a coffeemaker, a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, a microwave, an ensuite bathroom with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Few of the rooms even include a kitchenette. Guests can enjoy properties such as the swimming pool, laundry services, and the fireplace by the lobby.

Stayed at this property?

Big Pines Mountain House

Wifi Available

Address: 4083 Cedar Avenue
169.38 km (105.3 mi) from Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

Parking Pets allowed Golf course (within 3 km) Terrace Non-smoking rooms Family rooms Free parking Internet services

6. Black Jack Inn (from USD 68)

Loved by a lot of people, Black Jack Inn is just a three-minute walk away from the Heavenly Village and a five-minute walk from Stateline Casino. Rooms at the property are non-smoking and include a TV, a microwave, a work desk, and a refrigerator. And if you have any questions, you can always ask the 24-hour front desk. Other property amenities include daily housekeeping and free parking facility. Guests can explore the nearby attractions such as Lake Tahoe, Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, Heavenly Ski Resort, Gunbarrel Express, and Aerial Tramway.

Stayed at this property?

Black Jack Inn

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 985 Park Avenue
169.12 km (105.1 mi) from Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

Parking 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Golf course (within 3 km) Non-smoking rooms Fishing Facilities for disabled guests Skiing Family rooms

7. Oasis Inn and Suites (from USD 137)

Located just a 10 minutes’ drive away from Downtown Santa Barbara, Oasis Inn and Suites is a non-smoking property that offers complimentary Wi-Fi, a garden, and an outdoor pool. All the rooms feature a mini-refrigerator, a coffee-maker, a flat-screen TV, a microwave, a seating area, and a TV. And the suites at the property come with a fully equipped kitchen. Each morning, complimentary breakfast and hot coffee are available near the front desk. Santa Barbara Airport is the closest airport to the property.

Stayed at this property?

Oasis Inn and Suites

Wifi Available

Address: 3344 State Street
335.12 km (208.3 mi) from Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

Parking Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Family rooms Free parking Internet services BBQ facilities

8. The Monarch (from USD 148)

This motel features a seasonal outdoor pool and a sun terrace and is located 18 km (11 miles) from Yosemite West Gateway, 32 km (20 miles) from Merced River, and 53 km (33 miles) from Macready Field. The guest rooms are made up of soft hues and include a desk, a coffee-maker, and large windows that welcome a lot of sunlight in. Other amenities include daily housekeeping, a vending machine, 24-hour reception, and fax and photocopying services. Guests can also enjoy the closest landmarks such as Yosemite Ziplines & Adventure Ranch and California State Mining and Mineral Museum.

Stayed at this property?

The Monarch Inn

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 5059 Highway 140
28.75 km (17.9 mi) from Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

Parking 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Facilities for disabled guests Family rooms Free parking

9. Yosemite Inn (from USD 113)

If you are looking for a place to chill during your vacation, Yosemite Inn is your answer. The property features rooms that are adorned with modern decor and warm hues. They also include a seating area, a refrigerator, a TV, and a microwave. And to eat your daily meals, you can check out the 1850 restaurant that is situated just 1.5 km (0.9 miles) from the property. While here, guests can explore the West Gate of Yosemite National Park and Mariposa Museum & History Center.

Stayed at this property?

The Yosemite Inn

Wifi Available

Address: 5180 Jones Street
29.28 km (18.2 mi) from Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

Parking 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Non-smoking rooms Family rooms Free parking Internet services Heating WiFi Available

10. Orange Tree Inn (from USD 143)

The motel has rooms that come with a coffee-maker, a TV, free internet, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. Located less than a mile away from Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Orange Tree Inn boasts a sun deck and an outdoor pool. Some of the rooms include a private balcony. The property also features a free parking facility, a tour desk, and a 24-hour reception. And if you enjoy being outdoors, you can check out Ty Warner Sea Center, Sheffield Dam, Elling’s Park, Granada Theatre, Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara Winery, and Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens.

Stayed at this property?

Orange Tree Inn

Wifi Available

Address: 1920 State Street
336.19 km (208.9 mi) from Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

Parking 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Non-smoking rooms Family rooms Free parking Internet services Express check-in/check-out Safety deposit box

Enjoy the motel experience in California

Check out these motels and figure out the best place to stay if you are vacationing with family, friends, or traveling solo. California, in the United States, is a place full of stunning wonders along with the best budget motels. Start planning your vacation to this lovely destination.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Born in Mumbai and brought up in Bangalore, India, Aarti is a full-time freelance writer by profession. She is a lover of everything the ‘blue dot’ offers—world cultures, off-the-beaten tracks,...Read more

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